National Latte Day

Aromatic, invigorating coffee with milk—known as latte—was invented by Italians several centuries ago. The popularity of the latte in the U.S. soared as soon as the drink made its way across the Atlantic. With more and more recipes appearing every year, many Americans can no longer imagine their day without a cup of rich, fragrant coffee with milk. To honor this beloved beverage, National Latte Day was created—a celebration quickly embraced by coffee lovers everywhere.

History

Italians were the first to add hot milk to freshly brewed black coffee, starting in the late 17th century. The drink was named latte.

In the United States, coffee with milk only became known in the early 20th century. At first, Americans gravitated toward espresso, which later became the base for the latte. Unlike Italy, where lattes were made at home, in the U.S. they became a coffee shop staple. The first latte with fresh milk was served in a small café in Berkeley, California.

Lattes remained a niche drink in the U.S. until the early 1990s, when the rise of chain coffee shops like Starbucks, Peet’s, and Caribou fueled its popularity. These companies attracted customers by offering an expanding menu of specialty coffee drinks.

Lattes made in modern coffee machines may not be exactly like traditional Italian coffee with milk, but that hasn’t made them any less loved. Today, countless flavor additions—like pumpkin, vanilla, or chocolate—give each latte a unique twist. In warmer months, caffe latte is often served cold.

Interesting Facts

• Italians have enjoyed a cup of hot latte for breakfast for more than three centuries.
• In the U.S., about 400 million cups of coffee are consumed daily; roughly 2% of those are lattes.
• In 1950, a barista in Berkeley first prepared a latte for customers who found cappuccino too strong.
• Americans invented the tradition of decorating the latte’s surface with cream designs—latte art—in the early 1990s.
• The first Latte Art competition was held in 2003.

How to Take Part

Don’t miss the chance to start your morning with a cup of caffe latte—either at your favorite coffee shop or at home.

On National Latte Day, explore the history of this famous drink and experiment with new flavors and additives in your kitchen. Invite friends over to taste your latest latte creations.

When is National Latte Day in 2026?

National Latte Day is observed on February 11 each year.

Observations